“From day one, my administration has carried forward the torch of gender equality, working tirelessly to ensure that all of America’s daughters have the same rights as her sons,” President Obama said in his statement. “When women succeed, America succeeds.”

All U.S. presidents have proclaimed Aug. 26 Women’s Equality Day since 1972, and this year’s activities included a Twitter chat hosted by Valarie Jarrett, senior adviser to President Obama.